Common Misconceptions About Pregnancy and the Pelvic Floor
- Melissa Hines
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
by Sarah Elison, PT, DPT
Pregnancy is a time filled with lots of changes, excitement, and…opinions. A quick scroll through social media or a chat with a well-meaning friend can lead to conflicting advice, especially when it comes to pelvic floor health. At Wellest, we believe in empowering pregnant individuals with clear, evidence-based information to help them feel confident and supported throughout their journey.
Below we explore a few common myths around pelvic floor in pregnancy:
Myth: Urinary leakage is normal in pregnancy.
Fact: Leakage is common — but it is never normal.
While it’s true that many people experience urinary leakage during pregnancy due to increased pressure from the growing fetus, that doesn’t mean it should be accepted as inevitable. Improving leakage is something that can oftentimes be easily addressed in pelvic floor therapy and significantly improve quality of life. Advocate for yourself! Speak with a pelvic floor therapist who can support you with individualized care.
Myth: Kegels are the best exercise for your pelvic floor during pregnancy
Fact: Kegels are not for everyone.
It’s a common misconception that kegels are the answer to every pelvic floor issue. While kegels target strengthening the pelvic floor, they are not particularly functional, or directly applicable to real life. Preparing for birth specifically also involves understanding how to relax the pelvic floor muscles — not just strengthen them. A pelvic health therapist can help you understand what your body needs and how to support your pelvic floor throughout the various activities that your life involves prenatally and postpartum.
Myth: Prenatal pelvic floor therapy is only needed if you’re leaking.
Fact: You don’t need to be experiencing symptoms to benefit from pelvic floor therapy.
Pelvic floor therapy isn't just about managing symptoms such as leakage — it’s about preventing them too. Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as leakage but also including pubic symphysis and lower back pain. At Wellest, we also incorporate birth preparation in the third trimester to help support a smoother labor and delivery. In summary, pelvic floor therapy can be proactive care for your entire pregnancy experience!
Myth: Prenatal pelvic floor therapy isn’t helpful if you’re planning to have a c-section.
Fact: Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial, regardless of the planned type of delivery.
Even if you’re planning on having a cesarean delivery, pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial in preventing and managing the pelvic and low back pain, constipation, and urinary leakage often associated with, but not normal for, pregnancy. Proactive care in pelvic floor therapy can also support your physical recovery postpartum for any type of delivery.
What does Wellest’s prenatal & birth prep program look like?
Our prenatal care includes postural assessments, exercise development and modification, and review of abdominal and pelvic floor engagement throughout pregnancy. All of this can be helpful in ensuring our patients feel both well throughout the pregnancy and prepared for labor and delivery. Our birth prep teaches patients how to “push” for a vaginal delivery and reduce the risk of perineal tearing through massage and birthing positions. We continuously share with our patients ways to support themselves during labor and delivery and early postpartum. We work with our patients to establish a trusted pregnancy/postpartum care team and typically see them every 3-4 weeks or on an as needed basis until week 34/35 of pregnancy, after which we focus on weekly birth prep.
Read what our patient, Lauren, had to say about working with Wellest during her pregnancy:
"Before having my first child, I wanted to prepare in every way possible. While getting the nursery ready, buying the essentials, and stocking the fridge were all important, I quickly realized that preparing my body physically was just as crucial. That’s what led me to Melissa for sessions before delivery.
Melissa not only helped me prepare my body physically but also provided significant mental support. Her expertise and calming presence made a huge difference. She listens attentively and answers questions thoroughly, making sure you understand everything.
I highly recommend seeing Melissa for treatment, whether you’re a soon-to-be mom or a new mom, and no matter where you are on your pelvic floor journey!"
The Bottom Line:
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy is about more than just treating problems — it’s about supporting your body and enhancing your comfort in this momentous life experience. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to be proactive, connecting with a pelvic health therapist can make a large positive impact in your pregnancy journey.
If you have questions or are curious about how pelvic floor therapy could help you, we’re here for you!
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